St Anthony's Primary School Kingscliff eNewsletter

Message from the Principal - Lynne Pull

Dear Parents

What a wonderful celebration we had last Sunday for Pentecost in our church. This feast recalls the Holy Spirit coming to the Apostles to give them the courage and strength to go into the world preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and baptising those who chose to follow Him. How fitting it was therefore, that eight of our students were baptised during Mass in front of their friends and families. We also had students preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Communion (Eucharist), make their commitment in front of the congregation who then responded promising to pray for them. Pentecost heralded the birth of the Christian church so we had a big cake to celebrate this. Fr Paul cut the cake as it had been his birthday through the week. There was a great sense of community on this day with so many present.

It was a sad day for our school on Tuesday as we farewelled Mrs Pip Brown who had been a teacher at St Anthony’s since 1988. Pip touched the lives of so many during her life as could be seen from the large crowd who gathered to celebrate her life in a beautiful service. Students from Years 4 – 6 formed a guard of honour along the footpath as the hearse left the church. We thank them for their respect. We also thank our students who performed altar-serving duties during the Requiem Mass. We continue to keep Pip’s family in our prayers and offer our support to them.

Today we offer condolences to the Williams family, Danielle and children Isabelle (Yr 1) and Noah (Kindergarten) and little Valli, as they celebrate the life of Dave in a Requiem Mass. We assure them of our continued care and support.

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon them and may they rest in peace. Amen.

Congratulations to those students who participated in the Diocesan Cross Country in Grafton during the week. I hear the course was very muddy and lots of cow manure on it! A genuine cross country track!

Last Monday a group of Year 5 students participated in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) at St Ambrose School in Pottsville. By all accounts they had a wonderful experience and we look forward to sharing some pics with you.

Parents we are very concerned at the number of students who have been quite unwell lately. We are hearing that several of them have been confirmed as having bacterial pneumonia. If your child has a persistent cough we would encourage you to get it checked out. Please do not send your child to school if they are unwell.

Lots of people have a pet dog who is a special member of the family. Others have a fear of dogs. That is why we ask you not to bring your pooch onto the school grounds. We have had a number of concerns raised with us about this. If you dog is in the car when you pick up of an afternoon that is fine!

Please remember that it is a pupil free day next Tuesday 28^th May. There is NO SCHOOL on this day for all Catholic schools in the Tweed region. No staff will be on the premises on Tuesday.

It has been a very big week. I hope we can all have a good rest this weekend and feel fresh and renewed for the new week.

If you feel pain, you are alive. If you feel other people’s pain, you are a human being.

God bless, Lynne

Important Dates & School Information

Term 2 2024

Monday, 27th May - 3rd June - National Reconciliation Week

Monday, 27th May - Kindergarten Excursion - Fleays

Tuesday, 28th May - No School - Staff Proclaim

Thursday, 30th May - GRIP Leadership for Year 6 Leaders

Friday, 31st May - AFL Gala Day Byron Bay

Saturday, 1st June to 2nd June - First Communion Weekend

Thursday, 6th June - Thoughtful Parenting: 12.30 to 3.00 pm

Monday, 10th June - Public Holiday - No School

Wednesday, 12th June - Verse Speaking Years 1 & 2: 9.30am to 10.30am

Wednesday, 12th June - Verse Speaking Years 5 & 6: 11 am to 12 pm

Thursday, 13th June - St Anthony's Day - WHOLE SCHOOL MASS

Thursday, 13th June - Verse Speaking Kindergarten: 9.30 am to 10.30 am

Thursday, 13th June - Verse Speaking Year 3 & 4: 10.30 am to 11.30 am

Sunday, 16th June - School MASS - First Communion

Tuesday, 18th June - Athletics Carnival

Sunday, 23rd June - Parish Mass and First Communion

Monday, 24th June - MSP School Photo Day

Child Protection Policy can be found on our School Website under Information/School Policies: St Anthony's Primary School Website or in the following link: https://www.kngplism.catholic.edu.au/policies

Something to think and pray about

Discernment: Like Sailing a Boat

Discernment is like sailing a boat on a large body of water when the wind is strong. Success depends on the wind, the sailor and the rudder.

The direction of the wind is like the voice of the heart. It expresses what sets them in motion and moves them forward.

The sailor is like the mind. She judges the direction and strength of the wind so as to respond optimally. Without a sailor, the ship has no direction and is at risk of rapid damage. She has to constantly take the direction of the wind into account. Without the wind, the sailor can do nothing.

The rudder, finally, is like the will. It gives the ability to make concrete decisions and choices. The rudder allows you to take to the open sea and sail further and further, instead of staying by the shore or bobbing about aimlessly.

Excerpted from Trust Your Feelings: Learning how to make choices with Ignatius of Loyola by Nikolaas Sintobin SJ (p.58)

We Remember At This Time…

We think of all those involved in and affected by the conflict in the Middle East and pray that the Spirit of Peace would reign there, touching each and every heart, and bring about love, unity and peace in a deep and lasting way. Lord, come and heal all nations and heal all your wounded people. Amen.

https://sacredspace.com/

Message from Assistant Principal - Mission - Gemma Ballantine

Staff Proclaim this Tuesday (Pupil Free Day)

This Tuesday (May 28), all staff in the Tweed Region of the Diocese of Lismore will participate in Staff Proclaim; a once-every-three-years gathering of every person called to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Lismore to refresh and recommit to the Mission: “Enabling our students to achieve the fullness of life.”

We have a number of guest speakers, including Dr Maeve Heaney, Director of the Xavier Centre of Theological Formation at the Australian Catholic University and Roby Curtis, Director of Emmanuel City Mission in Brisbane. We will also be led in prayer by our Diocesan Band, Wildfire, and celebrate Mass together.

Our northern Tweed gathering is the first, followed by gatherings across the Diocese (finishing in the south with Port Macquarie) with all Primary School, Secondary School and CSO Staff.

These days are very rich and nourishing and we are thankful for the investment by the Catholic Schools Office to ongoing faith formation and the renewal of staff in the Diocese.

Tell them from me survey

Thank you to all St Anthony’s families who completed the Tell Them From Me Survey. The survey closes today. Surveys have been completed over the space of three weeks by staff, students and parents. This data will be collated and sent back to our school in the next few months and will form a major data set for school improvement.

Sacrament of Baptism

Congratulations to the Dore, Dodge, Hardy, Urquhart and Usher families, whose children received the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday. It was wonderful to be able to witness the students be welcomed to the faith and celebrate with them. There were many families present and a great energy at Sunday’s Mass. Thank you to all families who attended.

If you would like for your child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, initiating them to the Catholic faith, and your child has a Catholic, Baptised Parent, please contact Gemma Ballantine gemma.ballantine@lism.catholic.edu.au and we will add your child to the group for Term 3.

First Communion Commitment Mass and Retreat

You should have received your dates for your child’s First Communion. If you have not, please check your child’s bag or contact the Office. The material from the Kids YouCat (which was in the blue folder from the Family Workshop evening), about the Sacrament and what happens at Mass, is a great resource to read with your child and prepare in final weeks before receiving the Sacrament.

All Year 4 students and those preparing for First Communion attended a Retreat Day on Wednesday. Students explored symbols of the Sacrament, how we are all connected through receiving the Eucharist, how to pray using Visio Divina and the students created a Monstrance. The students were also guided through a traditional Seder (Passover) Meal. There was a lot of learning and fun on the day.

Important Notice Regarding Dogs on School Grounds

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope this message finds you well. As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students, staff, and visitors, we would like to remind you of the regulations concerning dogs on school premises as outlined in the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW, Section 14).

Dogs on School Grounds

According to the Companion Animals Act, dogs are generally prohibited on school grounds unless the principal has granted specific permission. Such permissions are typically reserved for:

Assistance or service dogs
Farm working dogs
Visits by organised groups or programs for school incursions
School support dogs

We understand that many families enjoy walking their dogs during school drop-off and pick-up times. However, we kindly ask that dogs remain outside the school gates. You are welcome to wait with your dog just outside the gate and arrange for your child to meet you there. This practice helps us ensure the safety and comfort of all students, particularly those who may have allergies or a fear of dogs.

Important Points for Consideration

Responsibility: Only individuals aged 18 or over can be responsible for a dog, as stated in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTAA).

Procedural Fairness: Schools are obligated to consult with parents and consider all relevant information before making decisions regarding assistance dogs.

Health and Safety: Our priority is to maintain a safe environment for everyone on school grounds.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in adhering to these guidelines. By keeping our school grounds dog-free, except for authorised circumstances, we can ensure a safer and more inclusive environment for all students.

This notice aligns with our commitment to safety and compliance with state legislation. Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining a welcoming and secure environment for our school community.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the school administration.

Thank you for your support in this matter.

Sports News

NSW PSSA Swimming

Congratulations to our swimming superstars Finn Carroll-Cinque and Flynn Flaherty who recently represented Polding at the NSW PSSA Swimming Carnival in Homebush.

Both Finn and Flynn competed to the best of their abilities and St Anthony’s are very proud of your personal achievements in such a tough competition last Term.

Finn made 4 finals and achieved the following results:

5th in 50 butterfly
8th in 50 freestyle
9th in 50 breaststroke
4th in all-age relay

Flynn’s results:

13th in 50 backstroke
16th in 50 freestyle

Diocesan Cross Country

On Tuesday 24th May the Diocesan Cross Country was held at McAuley College in Grafton.

Well done to the following St Anthony’s students who took part in the sporting event, all were excellent representatives of our school displaying outstanding effort and perseverance on a much harder course than the School and Zone Cross Country.

Frankie Fogg and Amelia Popov (Year 3), Gemma Rogers and Willow Milligan (Year 4), Cate and Kahlani Gordon (Year 5).

Congratulations to Frankie Fogg who was awarded the 8/9 Years Girls Multi-class age champion and Amelia Popov who finished 4th in the 8/9 Years Girls race.

Both these students will progress to the NSWCPS Cross Country in Week 6.

Good Luck girls!

Athletics Carnival Reminders

Please read the following information carefully regarding the Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 18th June.

1500m Zone Trials -

If your child would like to be considered to attend the Tweed Zone 1500m trials at St Joseph’s College Oval (date TBA), they are required to submit a time through the St Anthony’s email (closing date TBA). This time must be certified by a running coach or Little Athletics coach. The top 2 times for each age group of boys and girls will be invited to attend the trials.

The age groups are:

8, 9 and 10 Years (Junior) Boys and Girls
11 Years Boys and Girls
12/13 Years Boys and Girls

Please email certified times to: sapkings@lism.catholic.edu.au

Shot Put - Please read the new date due to a clash.

This will be run during Sports Athletics classes at school on Tuesday 11th June, Week 7. Sign ups for this event have started in classroom groups. This is a competitive event that is not compulsory and is ONLY FOR 8 YEARS and OLDER.

Long Jump Trials

Long Jump trials for all students in Years 2 to 6 will be run during PE lessons this term in Week 6. The Top 6 jumpers (boys and girls) from age groups 8 to 12/13 Years who qualify will compete in the Long Jump finals at the Athletics Carnival in Week 8. All other students will compete in non-competitive Long Jump at the carnival to gain house points.

If your child is in Year 2 and will be turning 7 this year, they can still participate in the Long Jump trials during PE lessons BUT they are not eligible to participate in the Long Jump at the Athletics Carnival.

800m

Sign ups for the 800m races will take place next week in classroom groups.

The 800m is a competitive race for ages 8 to 12/13 Years. The race is ran in the following age groups:

Junior boys and girls: 8, 9 and 10 Years
11 Years boys and girls
Senior boys and girls: 12 & 13 Years

This year the race will be run at 8:30am sharp at the Walter Peate Oval, Murphy’s Road Kingscliff, on the day of the carnival. If your child nominates for this event they will be required to arrive no later than 8:15am at the Athletics complex.

Transport will be the responsibility of parents.

By starting this event early it will ensure all events are finished on the day in time for the House Relay.

More information will be sent out closer to the event

STEM

Thank you to our 8 students who represented St Anthonys at a STEM day-out at St Ambrose in Pottsville on Monday. Our students were highly collaborative and creative with their contributions to discussions, activities and challenges. The teachers were very proud of their engagement and enthusiasm! Well done!

Thoughtful Parenting

SCHOOL PHOTO DAY

THIS WEEK AT FLYING START

Preschool for us this week has been dodging raindrops and exploring colours through sensory play.

We are lucky to have a mud kitchen where we can use our hands to mix and make colours. Doing this with our friends made it even more fun. We discovered lots of different ways to make a variety of colours and used our hands and paintbrushes to achieve this. We then used bouncy balls to roll them in paint and transfer them onto paper. Using a variety of ways to

investigate colours has been fun for us all!

Another week full of fun and laughter

Misc News

Parish Information and News

Parish Priest: Fr Paul McDonald

Finance Manager: Paul Crouch

Parish Secretary: Marty Darragh

Pastoral Assistant: Catherine Holliday

Phone: 0266741368

Email: parkings@bigpond.com

Website: http://stanthonysparishkingslciff.org

WEEKEND MASS TIMES
VIGIL: KINGSCLIFF 5:00pm
SUNDAY:POTTSVILLE 7:30am
KINGSCLIFF 9:00am

WEEKDAY MASS TIMES
TUESDAY: POTTSVILLE 9:15am
WEDNESDAY: KINGSCLIFF 8:00am
THURSDAY: KINGSCLIFF 9:00am
FRIDAY: KINGSCLIFF 8:00am

RECONCILIATION TIMES

SATURDAY: KINGSCLIFF4:00-4:30pm
SUNDAY: POTTSVILLE 7:00—7:25am

Current Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 9am-3pm

PARISH NEWSLETTER LINK: http://stanthonysparishkingscliff.org/news-events/

St Anthony's Parish - Care Group

Many parents may have noticed from the Parish Bulletin, that the Parish has a Care Group which, among other things seeks to provide meals to any parishoners in need.

This could include times of family sickness, new mums struggling to provide for the family in the early days of returning home, and many other circumstances of genuine need.

Please be aware that the Care Group is very willing to help out if any families find themselves in need of this service.

Contact: Parish Office: 0266 741 284 or Maree Moore 0439 174 116

Newsletter Term 2 Week 4 (24.5.24)